The UFC's middleweight division has been one of the more controversial weight classes in the sport for quite some time. Not only is the division seen as a shallow talent pool, but it has also suffered from having an overly dominant champion in Anderson Silva. An appalling performance at UFC 97 by Thales Leites didn't help. The controversy stems from the fact that Leites' performance excluded Demian Maia from receiving a title shot due to both being jiu jitsu stylists.

Enter Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson. Bisping vs. Henderson was not only a smart move in terms of creating an Ultimate Fighter season in which the UFC could pit the UK fighters vs. the U.S. fighters, but it also enables the UFC to push two fighters that have no qualms about trying to strike or takedown current champion Anderson Silva. Either fighter will take the fight to Silva as opposed to the passive approach of Thales Leites.

Additionally, the show had international appeal as it drew in current UK fans while adding to that fanbase by featuring Michael Bisping as a coach. It also brings in a new crop of fighters from the UK, and we all know that the UK fanbase could use some more star power than just Michael Bisping, Dan Hardy, Paul Taylor, and Terry Etim.

Not only does this bout provide a title contender that won't try the same style that Leites implemented against Silva, but if Bisping happens to defeat Henderson, it will surely set the stage for a massive event in the UK in which the UFC can make some solid revenue.

Stylistically, this bout has some mystery to it. Michael Bisping hasn't shown a solid wrestling base or unbelievable striking pedigree in the cage in many of his fights. He has managed to topple lesser competition in quick fashion, but his battles against Matt Hammil and Rashad Evans were telling signs that his game has yet to fully develop. After three consecutive wins following his bout with Rashad Evans, the question remains as to whether his skill set has improved.

Henderson is no mystery to the hardcore fan. His reign in PRIDE as both the middleweight (205 lbs.) and welterweight (185 lbs.) champion were significant in that he held both titles at the same time. He was an Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling team member in 1992 and 1996, and he's fairly well-known in the MMA world for possessing a monstrous right hand. His only knock has been that he tends to leave his wrestling credentials at the door during his bouts. He over commits his right hand, leaving himself open to takedowns. Some of his PRIDE fights were textbook examples of that in which fighters with inferior wrestling were able to take him down and control him.

This match truly comes down to whether Michael Bisping's skill set has improved dramatically. He has the technical boxing to pick at Dan Henderson for most of the fight, but will he have the defensive capabilities to avoid the huge right hand from Henderson? Henderson's wrestling ability could become a significant problem as the fight drags on as well. He'll be able to wear Bisping down against the fence and on the floor, and his takedown defense has began to improve a bit over his last few fights as he seems less willing to over commit with the right hand.

Bisping and his trainer have commented about the possibility of Bisping out wrestling Dan Henderson, but that may be an angle to confuse Henderson into believing that gameplan will be implemented come fight time. My gut tells me that Bisping's best chance is to use his speedy footwork and boxing to outpoint Henderson on the feet. The only real problem is the ability that Henderson has to put fighters into real danger from top control.

The winner will get a shot at the mighty Anderson Silva at the top of the division. If Henderson defeats Bisping, we could see some change in that plan as Henderson has already been defeated by Silva, but the UFC has hinted at the fact that the fight will be for a title shot. A Bisping win will almost assuredly set up an epic matchup on English soil with Silva. The key component for a Bisping win will focus on whether or not he has vastly improved his wrestling over the last few months. If so, we could all be in for a huge surprise.